and i mean literally. hands shaking, pulse racing, WTF? don't remember reading about this anywhere. okay so before this blows into a full scale panic attack, someone tell me it's all normal.
I don't know how you are quitting. If you have stopped using nicotine, then consider cutting back your caffeine a bit. Without nicotine, caffeine is metabolized much slower. If you drink your usual amount of coffee or soda, you'll get wired.
If you are taking pharmaceutical nicotine, then consider the dose. Nicotine elevates the pulse rate as one of its effects. The symptoms you describe sometimes happen when a smaller women uses the high strength patch.
In any case, take five or six long slow breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Pause. Then exhale slowly as long as you can through slighlly pursed lips. Repeat four times. It'll calm you down and lower your pulse rate.
I did have an anxiety attack once or twice at about 3-5 days into it. I don't think it was as extreme as what you are describing and it never lasted long. Any doubt at all, see a doc is good advice
no NRT, cold turkey day 5, two cups of coffee in the morning then no caffiene for the rest of the day. history of panic attacks but it's been years. feeling better now, had some candy in case it was low blood sugar. thanks everyone.
It's day 16 for me. I have had racing pulse, heart palpitations, tightness in the chest, I ate enough for 4 people the first week. I use no NRT, have two cups of coffee in the morning, and am taking two 150 mg tabs of Wellbutrin a day. I have read whyquit.com for hours and I still haven't read it all. I think all of my symptoms are normal withdrawal and lessen or disappear each day. 45 years of smoking, I expect my body to freak out. Tough on me.
